What Order Should You Wash Your Car? – The Right Sequence for a Safe Wash
It’s not just about what you use—it’s about when and where you use it. Here’s the correct order to wash your car to avoid swirls and work smarter.
Why Order Matters
If you wash the dirtiest parts of your car first, you’ll spread that grime across the rest of your paint. By working top-down and clean-to-dirty, you avoid cross-contaminating clean panels with road grit or brake dust.
The Safe Wash Order (Step-by-Step)
- Wheels and Tires – Only if you're using a separate bucket, towels, and brushes. Rinse thoroughly and avoid overspray onto dry paint.
- Roof – Always start at the highest point so dirty water runs down over unwashed areas.
- Glass – Clean the windows and windshield right after the roof.
- Hood and Trunk Lid – These panels collect dust but aren’t as dirty as bumpers or lower doors.
- Upper Doors and Quarter Panels – Work side to side and top to bottom, flipping your towel as you go.
- Lower Doors and Rockers – Dirtier zone, so use fresh sides or towels here.
- Front and Rear Bumpers – These catch the most bugs, road grime, and soot. Always save them for last to prevent grit from hitting cleaner areas.
Pro Tips:
- Use a folded Orange Wash Microfiber Towel and flip to a clean quadrant every 1–2 panels.
- Pair it with a thick foam pre-soak using The Super Soaper to loosen dirt before contact.
- Rinse thoroughly between zones—don’t let soap dry on the surface.
Should You Wash Wheels First or Last?
If you’re using the same tools, wash wheels last. But if you have a separate bucket and brushes, wheels first can save time—just be sure to rinse all brake dust off nearby panels before washing paint.
Final Thoughts
Washing in the right order prevents re-contamination, saves time, and protects your paint. Stick to this top-down sequence, pair it with the right towels and soap, and you’ll cut your swirl risk dramatically.
